USOO8086281B2
`
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`Rabu et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`(54) APPARATUSES AND METHODS THAT
`FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF POWER
`AND INFORMATION AMONG ELECTRICAL
`DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`.
`.
`Inventors £31111]er Rab}: $21an Clasra’ CCAEUS)C’A
`1° 0 as
`-
`a mum:
`an ar 05:
`(US); Jesse L- Dorogusker, Menlo Park,
`CA (US); Jeff Terlizzia Sunnyvale, CA
`.
`'
`(CUASL Emil/Ty 3 sang’rd’sangramsw’
`(U )5
`- vans
`an ey,
`an
`Fran015005CACUS)
`
`35451255232 3%
`,
`,
`7,813,715 B2
`7,913,297 B2
`2003/0050102 A1
`2003/0078071 A1
`2003/0125075 A1
`2004/0066174 A1*
`2004/0085694 A1
`2004/0088465 A1
`2004/0129522 A1
`2004/0169072 A1
`2004/0172527 A1
`2004/0246341 A1
`2005/0001590 A1
`2005/0114552 A1
`
`$611164 _al. 31
`15/388;
`.
`er 1221 et
`10/2010 McKillop et a1.
`3/2011 Wyld
`3/2003 Roh
`4/2003 Uchiyama
`7/2003 Klovborg
`4/2004 Choi
`............................. 320/149
`5/2004 Germagian et al.
`5/2004 Bianchi
`7/2004 Skowronski
`9/2004 Peng
`9/2004 Ono et a1.
`12/2004 Lee et a1.
`1/2005 Bayne etal.
`5/2005 Mak-Fan et al.
`
`(73) Assignee: Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US)
`
`(Continued)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 761 days.
`
`CN
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/620,669
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan- 65 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2008/0167088 A1
`
`Jul. 10, 2008
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl'
`(2006.01)
`H04B 1/38
`(52) US. Cl.
`......................... 455/573; 455/571; 455/572
`(58) Field of Classification Search .......... 455/5717573;
`S
`1.
`.
`fil f
`1
`11151445717573
`ee app 1cation
`e or comp ete searc
`1story.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`710/113
`*
`5/1976 V 1
`_
`t
`1
`1323:3532 2 5
`7/1955 5252:1255?'...:::::::::::::::455/571
`5,680,026 A
`10/1997 Lueschen
`5,914,585 A *
`6/1999 Grabon ......................... 320/125
`6,888,338 B1
`5/2005 Popescu-Stanesti et al.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1747256
`
`. ”006
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S.App1. No. 60/879,177, (filed Jan. 6, 2007).
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Jinsong Hu
`Assistant Examiner 7 Michael Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Kramer LeVin Naftalis &
`Frankel LLP
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems,
`methods, and computer readable media that can facilitate the
`transfer of power between at least two electrical deVices. At
`least one of the electrical deVices is preferably a battery
`operated deVice. The present inyention may also be used to
`fac111tate the transfer ofinformation among electrical deV1ces.
`5551555511515,5115155155515inventionmaybeusede automati-
`cally pa1r two Bluetooth deV1ces together.
`
`17 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLE 1024
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1024
`
`

`

`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2005/0189921 A1
`2006/0164036 A1
`2007/0054550 A1
`
`2007/0067659 A1
`2007/0136614 A1*
`2008/0028237 A1
`2008/0034233 A1
`2008/0166968 A1
`2008/0265836 A1
`2009/0304217 A1
`
`9/2005 Bayne et 31.
`7/2006 Ulla etal.
`3/2007 CuthbeIt etal.
`.
`3/2007 Tevanlan, Jr.
`6/2007 Heath et a1.
`1/2008 Knight
`2/2008 Chuang et a1.
`7/2008 Tang et al.
`10/2008 1110116 Ct 211.
`12/2009 Thalheimer et a1.
`
`................... 713/300
`
`CN
`EP
`FR
`FR
`GB
`KR
`W0
`
`2821898
`1406 366 A2
`2 841699
`2841699
`2 418 546 A
`2001_0026356
`W02006/136195
`
`9/2006
`4/2004
`“2004
`1/2004
`3/2006
`4/2001
`12/2006
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`U.S.App1No. 60/879,195, (filed Jan. 6, 2007)
`
`2010/0079106 A1
`
`4/2010 Graham
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`102
`
`
`
`190
`
`FIG. 1
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`
`8Nm.NNN”EW................................................................mm...........Rm.................................W8[In
`
`_.
`
`X.
`
`SNWmum
`
`2V
`
`own
`
`
`
`mom
`
`NON
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`cruxW
`
`8m5255
`
`SN8m
`
`5
`
`
`
`onmm5WmmomENWNEWmmomcom
`
`.mom
`
`NON
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 4 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`40_
`
`402
`
`F
`
`
`
`
`
`Couple master
`and slave
`devices to an
`
`
`apparatus
`
`
`404
`
`
`
`Master device
`detects presence
`
`of slave deVIce
`
`406
`
`
`Master device
`queries slave
`device status
`
`
`
`
`
`Master device
`puts slave device
`into discoverable
`mode
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`418
`
`
`Master device
`checks for link
`
`status
`
`
`
`Master device
`
`pairs with slave
`device
`
`
`
`420
`
`
`
`Master device
`links with slave
`
`device
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 6 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 8 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`
`212
`
`FIG. 7a
`
`
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 9 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`802
`No devices are
`
`coupled to apparatus, the
`
`apparatus is in powered
`
`down mode
`
`
`
`A first device is coupled
`to the apparatus
`
`806
`
`is the first device
`
`coupled to the apparatus’s
`lowest priority port,
`medium priority port, or
`highest priority port?
`
`Lowest
`
`Highest
`priority port
`
`
`
`
`priority port
`
`(cont’d in FIG. 9)
`
`Activate
`microcontroiler, activate
`regulator, provide
`power to the higher
`priority ports, establish
`communications path
`with the first device
`
`A second device is
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`
`(cont’d in FIG. 1 1)
`
`Apparatus remains
`in powered down
`mode
`
`A second device is
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`
`Medium
`priority port
`
`Activate
`microcontroller, activate
`boost, activate
`regulator, establish
`communications path(s)
`with the first device,
`and provide power to
`the highest priority port
`
`
`
`A second device is
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`(cont’d in FiG. 10)
`
`FIG. 8
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 10 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`810
`
`
`
`A second device is
`
`
`
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 8)
`
`
`
`902
`
`
`
`
`
`ls the second
`
`
`
`
`
`device coupled
`to the medium or the
`
`
`
`highest priority port of
`
`the apparatus?
`Medium
`
`
`Priority
`port
`
`Highest
`priority
`port
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Establish communications pathls)
`with the second device, charge
`the second device, activate boost
`
`
`
`
`Establish communications
`pathls) with the second device,
`increase power provided to
`highest priority port, charge the
`second device
`
`
`
`
`A third device is coupled to the
`A third device is coupled to the
`highest priority port of the
`medium priority port of the
`
`
`
`apparatus
`apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`Establish communications
`Establish communications path(s)
`with the third device, charge the
`path(s) with the third device,
`
`
`third device
`charge the second device
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 9
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`814
`
`
`
`
`A second device is
`
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 8)
`
`
`
`1002
`
`
`
`
`Is the second
`
`device coupled
`
`
`to the lowest or highest
`
`
`priority port?
`
`
`Lowest
`Highest
`priority
`priority
`
`port
`port
`
`
`(1010
`
`
`Establish communications
`
`
`
`Establish communications path(s)
`
`with the second device, charge
`the first device
`
`
`
`
`
`
`path(s) with the second device,
`increase power to the second
`device, charge the second
`device
`
`A third device is coupled to the
`highest priority port of the
`
`A third device is coupled to the
`lowest priority port of the
`apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`
`apparatus
`
`
`
`
`Establish communications path(s)
`
`
`Establish communications
`with the third device, increase
`
`path(s) with the third device,
`power provided to highest priority
`
`
`charge the third device
`port, rapidly charge the third
`
`
`
`device
`
`
`FIG. 10
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`818
`
`A second device is
`
`
`coupled to the
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 8)
`
`
`
`110
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`is the second
`device coupled
`
`
`to the lowest or highest
`
`priority port?
`
`Lowest
`Medium
`priority
`priority
`
`port
`port
`
`
`
`Activate microcontroller, activate
`Activate microcontroller,
`activate boost, activate
`regulator, establish
`
`communications path(s) with the
`regulator, establish
`first device, establish
`communications path(s) with
`
`communications path(s) with the
`the first device, establish
`
`second device, charge the first
`communications path(s) with
`
`device, provide power to medium
`the second device, charge the
`
`first device
`priority port
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` A third device is coupled to the
`
`
`medium priority port of the
`apparatus
`
`
`A third device is coupled to the
`lowest priority port of the
`apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`Establish communications
`Establish communications path(s)
`with the third device, activate
`path(s) with the third device,
`
`
`boost, charge the third device
`charge the second device
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 11
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 13 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`
`1202
`
`
`Three devices
`
`are coupled to an apparatus,
`
`the apparatus is facilitating the
`
`transfer of power and information
`
`among the devices
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1204
`
`
`A first device is
`decoupled from the
`apparatus
`
`
`
`1206
`
`
`
` Is the first device
`
`decoupled from the Iowest
`
`
`priority port, medium
`
`priority port, or highest
`
`priority port of
`
`the apparatus?
`
`
`Lowest
`priority
`port
`
`Highest
`priority
`port
`
`Medium
`priority port
`
`1208
`
`1212
`
`1216
`
`Power is
`discontinued to
`medium priority port,
`communication paths
`to lowest priority port
`are discontinued
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1210
`
`
`A second device is
`
`decoupled from the
`
`
`apparatus
`(cont’d in FIG. 13)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Communication
`
`paths to medium
`priority port are
`discontinued,
`boost is powered
`down
`
`
`
`
`{/1214
`A second device is
`decoupled from
`the apparatus
`(cont’d in FIG. 14)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 12
`
`15
`
`Decrease power
`provided to highest
`cgggfiiggtliton
`aths to hi hest
`p riority 0% are
`p
`p
`discontinued
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1218
`
`A second device is
`decoupled from the
`
`apparatus
`(cont’d in FIG. 15)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 14 0f 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`1210
`
`A second device is
`
`
`decoupled from the
`
`
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 12)
`
`
`
`
`
`1302
`
`
`
`
`second device
`decoupled from
`the medium or
`
`1*“
`
`Medium
`
`priority
`port
`
`
`highest priority
`port?
`
`
`
`
`Highest
`priority
`port
`
`Apparatus enters powered
`down mode
`
`powered down mode
`
`A third device is decoupled
`from the highest priority
`port of the apparatus
`
`Apparatus remains in
`
`
`
`
`1310
`Communication paths
`to highest priority port
`
`
`are discontinued,
`decrease power
`provided to highest
`
`priority port
`
`
`
`A third device is
`decoupled from the
`
`
`lowest priority port of
`the apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`Apparatus enters
`powered down mode
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 13
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`1214
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A second device is
`decoupled from the
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 12)
`
`
`
`1402
`
`
`
`ls the
`second device
`
`
`decoupled from
`
`the lowest or
`
`ighest priori
`
`port?
` Lowest priority
`
`port
`
`Highest priority
`port
`
`Apparatus enters
`powered down mode
`
`A third device is
`decoupled from the
`highest priority port of
`the apparatus
`
`powered down mode
`
`Apparatus remains in
`
`Communication paths
`to highest priority port
`are discontinued,
`decrease power
`provided to highest
`priority port
`
`A third device is
`decoupled from the
`fewest priority port of
`the apparatus
`
`powered down mode
`
`Apparatus enters
`
`FIG. 14
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 27, 2011
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`1218
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A second device is
`decoupled from the
`apparatus
`(cont’d from FIG. 12)
`
`
`
`1502
`
`
`second device
`
`decoupled from
`
`the lowest or
`
`
`
`
`ighest priori
`port?
`
`Lowest priority
`port
`
`
`
`1504
`
`‘7
`
`Medium priority
`port
`
`
`
`1510
`
`
`
`Power is discontinued
`to medium priority port,
`
`
`communication paths to
`
`
`lowest priority port are
`discontinued
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A third device is
`decoupled from the
`
`medium priority port of
`the apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Communications path
`to the medium priority
`
`port are discontinued,
`boost is powered down
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A third device is
`decoupled from the
`
`lowest priority port of
`the apparatus
`
`
`
`
`
`Apparatus enters
`powered down mode
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Apparatus enters
`powered down mode
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 15
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`1
`APPARATUSES AND METHODS THAT
`FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF POWER
`AND INFORMATION AMONG ELECTRICAL
`DEVICES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention is related to transferring power and infor-
`mation among electrical devices. More particularly,
`this
`invention facilitates the transfer of power and information
`from one electrical device to at least one other electrical
`device.
`
`Portable electrical devices are an everyday part of life in
`today’s society. Among other things, portable electrical
`devices, such as iPods, PDAs and cell phones, provide enter-
`tainment, improve productivity and enable communication.
`Some devices can be used to provide additional functionality
`to another device. For example, a cellular telephone can
`enable a laptop computer to access the Internet. Other elec-
`trical devices are specifically designed to be an accessory
`device that enhances the functionality of a device. For
`example, a wireless Bluetooth headset enhances the use of a
`cellular telephone by allowing users to have a hands-free,
`wireless conversation through their cellular telephone.
`As a result, many people often carry a number of personal
`electrical devices with them. It is not uncommon for people to
`have a cellular telephone, wireless headset and digital media
`device, like Apple’s ipod, when they leave their homes.
`Most portable electrical devices are powered by a
`rechargeable battery. Despite advancements in battery tech-
`nology, many users often wish that the battery in their por-
`table devices lasted longer. Another problem is that, fre-
`quently, each portable device has its own charger, which must
`be carried around. Inevitably, most users are left in a situation
`where one device has power, but the device that is needed at
`the moment does not. If the user does not have the right
`charger available, the user is out of luck.
`In addition to carrying around more electrical devices,
`electrical devices are becoming more complex which causes
`a number of inconveniences to the user. For example, many
`different types of portable electrical devices can now be
`linked together using a number of different wired or wireless
`standards and/or protocols. Some of these standards and/or
`protocols, such as the Bluetooth standards, require the user to
`reconfigure the devices each time it is used to communicate
`with a new device (often referred to as “pairing”)). The con-
`figurations can require, for example, that at least one of the
`devices is identified to the other device in some manner. For
`
`example, the pairing of a universal remote control with a
`particular electrical device (e. g., TV, cable box, etc.) requires
`the user to follow a series of steps, one of which includes
`entering a code that represents the brand and type of the
`device. This pairing process is the cause of great frustration
`among many users.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the principles of the present invention,
`apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer readable media
`are discussed herein that can facilitate the transfer of power
`and information between at least two electrical devices. One
`
`or more of the electrical devices can be a portable, battery
`operated device. In the embodiments of the present invention
`that accommodate at least three devices, it is preferable that at
`least one of the devices has access to a reliable, continuous
`source of power (such as, for example, a wall power outlet).
`
`2
`
`It is preferred to have the devices electrically coupled to the
`ports of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of the
`present invention. The ports and other components of the
`apparatus can allow each of the devices coupled to the appa-
`ratus to be electrically coupled to at least one of the other
`devices.
`
`Once the devices are electrically coupled together (via the
`apparatus), the apparatus’s processor or microcontroller can
`facilitate the transfer of information and/or power among the
`devices. The transfer of information can, for example, allow
`two of the devices coupled to the apparatus to be automati-
`cally paired in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol. The
`transfer of power among the devices can, for example, allow
`at least one device to charge at least one other device. The
`power from at least one of the devices can also be used to
`operate the apparatus and execute the automatic steps of
`methods described below that are in accordance with the
`
`present invention.
`The devices can be assigned a priority (e.g., low, medium
`or high), which the present invention considers, among other
`things, when transferring power to and from each device. In at
`least one embodiment, the priority assigned to each device is
`based on which port the device is coupled to. The devices
`assigned a lower priority provide power and the devices
`assigned a higher priority receive power. Medium priority
`devices can receive and/or provide power in different situa-
`tions. In alternative embodiments, the microcontroller can
`assign a priority to each device in response to the microcon-
`troller identifying the device’s type (as opposed to identifying
`the port that the device is coupled to).
`the
`In addition to the components mentioned above,
`present invention can also employ, for example, one or more
`switches, a regulator, a boost, and various connectors (e.g.,
`single wires, multi-wire busses, nodes, etc.). All of the com-
`ponents of the present invention can be supervised and con-
`trolled by the microcontroller.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above and other features of the present invention, its
`nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon
`consideration of the following detailed description, taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
`reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in
`which:
`
`FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system that incorporates the
`present invention;
`FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an
`illustrative embodiment of circuitry in accordance with the
`present invention;
`FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an
`illustrative alternative embodiment of circuitry in accordance
`with the present invention;
`FIG. 4 shows a simplified flow chart of an illustrative mode
`of operation of circuitry of the type shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
`FIGS. 5-7 show illustrative systems that incorporate the
`present invention; and
`FIGS. 8-15 show simplified flow charts of illustrative
`modes of operation of circuitry of the type shown in FIG. 2.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DISCLOSURE
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`The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems,
`methods and computer readable media that can facilitate the
`charging of a battery of at least one device as well as the
`transfer of information among different types of devices and
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`US 8,086,281 B2
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`3
`platforms. The following is a description of various appara-
`tuses and methods that can be used in accordance with various
`
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 1 illustrates docking station 100, which is electrically
`coupled to three devices. The three devices are iMac 102,
`cellular telephone 104 and wireless headset 106. Docking
`station 100 enables information and power to be exchanged
`among the devices. In at least one embodiment, docking
`station 100 communicates, identifies and authenticates each
`device before power is transferred to or from each device.
`Docking station 100 can also be used to facilitate the transfer
`of additional information among the devices.
`Although the present inventions described below generally
`relate to portable, battery powered devices, iMac 102 is a
`line-powered device which receives power from a power cord
`and requires no batteries. Other examples of line-powered
`devices include devices that receive power from, for example,
`a solar panel, a generator, or any means other than a battery.
`Cellular telephone 104 and wireless headset 106 are por-
`table, battery powered devices. Battery powered devices, as
`referred to herein, include devices that have a self contained
`battery or draw power from a battery located externally to the
`device. Docking station 100 can, for example, facilitate the
`charging of the battery of wireless headset 106 with power
`that is from the battery of cellular telephone 104. Similarly,
`power from iMac 102 canbe used to charge cellular telephone
`104 and/or wireless headset 106. In some embodiments, wire-
`less headset 106 is the same or substantially similar to the
`wireless headset discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pro-
`visional Patent Application No. 60/879,177, filed Jan. 6, 2007
`entitled “Wireless Headset” and U.S. Provisional Patent
`
`Application No. 60/879,195, filed Jan. 6, 2007, entitled“Con-
`nector with Magnetic Detent”, which are hereby incorporated
`by reference in their entireties.
`The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative of
`one way the present invention may be implemented. Addi-
`tional configurations of a docking system that may be used to
`charge and transfer information to an electronic accessory
`(such as a wireless headset) from another electronic device
`(such as a cellular phone) are discussed in the Ser. No. 60/879,
`177 Application. Many other possible configurations for the
`invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the
`benefit of the disclosure contained herein. The description of
`FIGS. 2-15, like FIG. 1, will therefore be understood to be
`illustrative and not limiting.
`FIG. 2 a simplified schematic block diagram of circuitry
`that is located in apparatus 200. In some embodiments, appa-
`ratus 200 is substantially similar to docking station 100 of
`FIG. 1. Apparatus 200 is typically (although not necessarily)
`implemented using a single integrated circuit. Alternatively,
`apparatus 200 could be implemented, for example, using a
`multi-chip module including two or more separate integrated
`circuits.
`
`Apparatus 200 can include port 202, port 204, and port 206,
`which enable devices 208, 210 and 212 to be coupled to
`apparatus 200. Devices 208, 210 and 212, which are dis-
`cussed further below, can be similar to or the same as iMac
`102, cellular telephone 104 and wireless headset 106, respec-
`tively. Apparatus 200 can also include microcontroller 214,
`line 216, line 218, switch 220, input 222, output 224, output
`226, switch 228, line 230, line 232, line 234, output 236, line
`238, boost 240 and regulator 242, which are also discussed in
`more detail below.
`
`Ports 202, 204 and 206 are electrically coupled together by
`connections (i.e., wires, nodes, etc.) and/or other components
`of apparatus 200 that are described herein. Ports 202, 204 and
`206 canbe any type ofport (e.g., wireless or wired), including
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`those that receive any type of physical connector that can be
`used to couple apparatus 200 to any type of device, apparatus,
`cable, and/or component of a device or other apparatus. Ports
`202, 204 and 206 can, for example, be used to couple either a
`male or female connector to apparatus 200. For example, port
`202 can be a female USB connector, port 204 can be a male
`30-pin connector, and port 206 can be symmetrical 4-pin
`connector, such as the connector described in the Ser. No.
`60/879,195 Application. For example, as discussed in the Ser.
`No. 60/879,195 Application, port 202 can have magnetic
`properties and each of the four pins (referred to as contacts in
`the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application) are about 0.7 millime-
`ters wide and are equally spaced about 1.0 millimeter apart.
`An exemplary 30-pin connector and an exemplary four pin
`connector are illustrated in FIG. 60.
`
`In alternative embodiments, ports 202, 204 and/or 206 can
`be removed and other ports (not shown) inserted. This would
`allow apparatus 200 to be coupled with various combinations
`of devices and/or cables. For example, if port 202 is a female
`USB connector, port 202 can be removed and replaced by a
`port that is a male USB connector (or any other type of
`connector).
`One skilled in the art will also appreciate that there can be
`any number of ports included in apparatus 200. Despite FIG.
`2 showing apparatus 200 as including three ports, an appara-
`tus in accordance with the principles of the present invention
`can include more or less than three ports, thereby allowing
`any number of devices to be coupled to the apparatus at any
`given time. In embodiments where the apparatus includes
`only one port (discussed in more detail below in connection
`with FIGS. 7a and 7b), the apparatus may also include its own
`source of power, such as battery, solar panel, etc.
`In alternative embodiments, apparatus 200 could facilitate
`the exchange of information and power among devices that
`are not physically coupled to apparatus 200. As such, devices
`can be electrically coupled to apparatus 200 wirelessly and
`information and/or power can be wirelessly exchanged
`through ports 202, 204 and/or 206.
`The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 shows device 208
`
`coupled to port 202, device 210 coupled to port 204, and
`device 212 coupled to port 206. Devices 208,210 and 212 can
`be any battery powered or line-powered device. For example,
`devices 208, 210 and 212 can be any type of portable, fixed,
`and/or mobile device, including but not limited to a laptop
`computer, a desktop computer, an audio player (e.g., walk-
`man, compact disc player, etc.), a video player, a media player
`(e.g., Apple’s iPod, etc.), a set top box, a portable video game
`system (e.g., Sony’s PSP, Nintendo’s Game Boy, etc.), an
`electronic book, a cellular telephone, wireless telephone, a
`hand held computer, a GPS device, a flashlight, a personal
`digital assistant (PDA) (e.g., Palm’s Pilot, etc.), a wireless
`headset for a telephone, a satellite radio, a remote control, an
`automobile key fob, a printer, an automobile radio, an auto-
`mobile computing system, an automobile cigarette lighter (or
`other mobile power source, such as an airplane cigarette
`lighter), a camera, an accessory devices for a computer (e. g.,
`wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, etc.), a watch, a surge
`protector, an AC/DC converter, etc.
`Devices 208, 210 and 212 can also be any device that can
`serve as a source of power such as, for example, one or more
`batteries, a generator, a solar panel, a cable (USB cable, serial
`cable, FireWire, power cord, etc.), a capacitor, an inductor, or
`any other electrical or mechanical device (such as a winding
`device) that can be used to provide electricity to apparatus
`200. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two
`of devices 208, 210 and 212 are portable, battery powered
`devices.
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`US 8,086,281 B2
`
`5
`In one embodiment, apparatus 200 includes microcontrol-
`ler 214. Microcontroller 214 canuse control lines (not shown)
`to communicate with any other component of apparatus 200
`(described below) and/or any device coupled to apparatus 200
`(e.g., devices 208, 210 and 212). In some embodiments, each 5
`control line can be a multiple-wire bus, which allows micro-
`controller 214 to communicate more efficiently with the com-
`ponents of apparatus 200 and devices 208, 210 and 212.
`Microcontroller 214 can also include or have access to one
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`or more computer readable media. Microcontroller 214 can
`provide intelligence to apparatus 200 by, for example, con-
`trolling the flow ofpower to and from ports 202, 204 and 206,
`communicating with the devices 208, 210 and 212 Via the
`appropriate lines and ports (which are discussed further
`below), facilitating communications among devices 208, 210
`and 212, determining how many and what types of devices are
`coupled to apparatus 200, prioritizing the devices that are
`coupled to apparatus 200, and monitoring the entire system
`for faults.
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`(which is discussed below in more detail in connection with,
`for example, FIGS. 8-15) or the priority ofthe devices (which
`is discussed below).
`Microcontroller 214 can also determine which devices give
`and receive power based on, for example, the amount of
`excess power each device has available. For example, micro-
`controller 214 can transfer power from the deVice(s) with
`more excess power to the deVice(s) with less excess power. To
`gauge the amount of excess power a device has, microcon-
`troller 214 can consider, for example, the remaining battery
`power, the length of time a battery powered device can run
`before the battery needs to be charged, and/or whether or not
`a device is coupled to another source of power (such as a wall
`outlet, a large back-up battery, a generator, a solar panel, etc.).
`Microcontroller 214 can also, for example, direct the flow
`of power through apparatus 200 in response to receiving a
`user indication Via a user interface. The user can, for example,
`select one or more physical buttons on apparatus 200 (not
`shown). Microcontroller 214 may also direct the flow of
`power in response to interactions the user has with the user
`interface(s) of deVice(s) 208, 210 and/or 212 (not shown).
`In addition to controlling the power provided and received
`by each device coupled to apparatus 200, microcontroller 214
`can communicate with any other component of apparatus 200
`or any device coupled to apparatus 200 Via the control lines
`(not shown) that were discussed above. Microcontroller 214
`can also facilitate the transfer of information among the
`devices coupled to apparatus 200 using the components and
`wires described below.
`In some embodiments, the information transferred from a
`first device to a second device may include, for example,
`software or a firmware update for the second device. A first
`device (such as a cellular telephone or computer) can be used
`to update the firmware or provide additional software to a
`second device (such as a wireless headset). For example, a
`firmware update for a wireless headset may be downloaded
`onto a computer (Via the intemet and into, e.g., iTunes) or
`cellular telephone (Via the cellular telephone network) from a
`central server (such as the Apple server). When computer or
`cellular telephone and the wireless headset are coupled to
`apparatus 200, the information may be relayed from the com-
`puter or cellular telephone to the wireless headset Via appa-
`ratus 200. In some other embodiments, apparatus 200 may
`facilitate the transfer of the information outside of apparatus
`200, which is discussed in more detail below.
`Information can be passed between devices directly or
`indirectly through apparatus 200. When microcontroller 214
`establishes direct communications between two devices, the
`signal canbe routed through various components ofapparatus
`200 (e.g., ports 202,204 and/or 206, switch 220, etc.), but the
`communications are not routed through microcontroller 214.
`An example of a direct communications path between device
`208 and device 210 is port 202 to input 222 to switch 220 to
`output 226 to port 204 (and vice versa). When microcontroller
`214 facilitates the transfer of information Via an indirect
`
`communications path, the information passes through micro-
`controller 214 (Via the control lines (not shown), line 216
`and/or line 218).
`When using an indirect communications path, microcon-
`troller 214 can, for example, monitor the information (for,
`e.g., faults, clarity, viruses, content, etc.). An indirect com-
`munications path may also allow microcontroller 214 to
`approve the information (based on, for example, parental
`restrictions, etc.) and/or save the information to internal or
`external memory, which may be RAM, ROM, flash memory,
`etc. (not shown). The information and/or an indication that
`information is being exchanged may also be displayed on a
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`Microcontroller 214 can control the power transferred
`among devices 208, 210 and 212 by, for example, controlling
`the flow of power to and from ports 202, 204 and 206. When
`devices 208 and 210 are coupled to apparatus 200, microcon-
`troller 214 can cause power to be transferred from device 208
`to device 210 (and Vice versa). The transferred power can be
`used to, e.g., charge the battery of device 210, to allow device
`210 to operate more efficiently, to allow device 208 to com-
`municate with device 21 0 (or Vice versa), etc. Microcontroller
`214 can also control the transfer of power from, for example,
`device 208 to device 212 (and Vice versa), device 210 to
`device 212 (and Vice versa), device 208 to devices 210 and
`212 (and Vice versa), and device 210 to devices 208 and 212
`(and Vice versa), and from device 212 to devices 210 and 212
`(and Vice versa). Methods for transferring power among mul-
`tiple devices, which are in accordance with the present inven-
`tion, are discussed in more detail below in connection with,
`for example, FIGS. 7-14.
`Microcontroller 214 can use a communications path
`(which are discussed further below) to negotiate the transfer
`of powers among the devices. Negotiating the transfer of
`powe